DeVries carriage museum to host carriage program

OWOSSO – The DeVries Historic Carriage and Sleigh Museum will host special guest speaker Kathleen Haak on Sunday, March 25 at 2 p.m., at the museum, located at DeVries Nature Conservancy, 2635 N. M-52, Owosso. Haak will have a presentation on Michigan-made vehicles, particularly sleighs, with a focus on the Owosso Carriage and Sleigh Company. Visitors will also have the opportunity to have their picture taken in a Portland Cutter.

Haak drives singles, pairs and the occasional tandem and four-in-hand, winning several championships along the way. In 2013, she achieved her Level 2 Proficiency with the Carriage Association of America. Her driving-related articles have appeared in the “The Whip,” “The Carriage Journal,” and “The Standardbred Connection.”

The museum contains one of the finest collections of carriage, buggies, surreys, sleighs and cutters in Michigan. Examples of the Owosso Carriage and Sleigh Company manufacturing past can be seen in the museum. Over 25 vehicles in restored and partially restored condition are currently on display.

The Shiawassee County Historical Society will be serving light refreshments in the DeVries Nature Conservancy’s main building. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees should dress for the weather as the museum is not heated. For additional information, contact Joyce Haak at jahowosso@gmail.com.